Automatic press



March 6, 1951 E. cANNoN ET AL 2,543,759

AUTOMATIC PRESS Mlllh 6, 1951 E. CANNON ETAL 2,543,759

v AUTOMATIC lPRESS Filed .my 2o, 1948 e sheets-sheet 2 JNVENTORS fczfZ @c222/207x,

E. CANNON ET AL AUTOMATIOPRESS Filed July 2o, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Marh 6, 1951 E. cANNoN E1' AL 2,543,759

` AUTOMATIC PRESS Filed July 20, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS. i l l, .ZCZI 62272226272/ ,5g 98 98. BY

E; CANNON AL 2,543,759

AUTOMATIC PRESS.

March 6, 1951 Filed July 20, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Bm E S26, 23z\ 250" 268 2zgj 253 ,262 250 108 ff A 252 v @C 153 /NDEX 40 F570 RN /J/VE A//P zg 2 n 2@ 7 @i .J0

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March x6, 1951 E. CANNON ET AL 2,543,759

AUTOMATIC PRESS Filed Ju1y`2o, 194s e sheets-sheet e 50a/f 'g H 313 ll x l R306 522e 22d 258 A01/ANCE A, I il @i517 JZ. l 270 Il II L RESET 7l? j INVENToRs.

Patented Mar. 6, 1951Y AUTOMATIC PRESS Earl Cannon, Downers Grove, and John N. Heater, .Flossmooxg IIL, assgnors to American Steel Foundries, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of New Jersey Application July 20, 1948, Serial No. 39,656

(Cl. Q30-52.)

20 Claims.

This invention relates to presses and more particularly to a novel control system for varying the stroke of a press platen on .successive operations thereof.

A general object of the vinvention .is to devise a novel compact press control mechanism for automatically varying the platen stroke on successive operations.

A more specic object of the invention is to provide a control mechanism of the abovedescribed type wherein a plurality of control members are rotatably mounted for successive alignment with a platen mounted switch operatively connected to the platen operating mechanism for terminating the advance stroke of the platen.

A further object of the invention .is to devise novel automatic means for returning the control members to their initial position after the platen has completed any predetermined number of strokes.

The foregoing and other Aobjects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideratiton of the foliowing specification and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is Va fragmentary perspective view of a novel tube bending press embodying the invention, portions of the structure being broken away for clarity;

Figure v2 is an exploded view of the upper portion of the novel control mechanism;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the lower portion of the control mechanism;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view through the lower support frame of the control mechanism With the stroke control device fragmentarily shown in elevation after maximum indexing rotation thereof;

Figure 5 is a view corresponding to Figure 4 with the stroke control device illustrated in return position after completionV of a control cycle;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the indexing and unlocking assembly of the control mechanism;

Figure 6A is a view comparable to Figure 6, with the indexing mechanism unlocked by the unlocking assembly;

Figure 1 is a fiow diagram -of the hydraulic actuating system associated with the operating motor for the press platen;

Figure 8 is a flow diagram of the pneumatic actuating system for the 'control mechanism;

Figure 9 .is a diagram of the limit pin disc and associated switches @i the tonite! mechanism; i

Figure 10 ,is a diagram of the control rod disc and associated switches; and

Figure 11 is a wiring diagram of the electrical actuating circuits associated with Ythe platen operating hydraulic system and with the pneumatic system for actuating the control mechamsm.

Describing the invention in detail and referring .first to the perspective view of Figure 1, the novel device comprises a press frame, generally designated I5, comprising a bed I6 and spaced columns I 1 slidably engaged with a platen I8 to guide the same in its movement on advance stroke toward the bed and on return or pullback stroke from the bed, as hereinafter more fully described.

The platen I8 carries an advance 'limit switch I9 and .a return limit switch 20, the latter being engageable with a frame mounted cam 2| to terminate the return stroke of the platen, as described in detail in connection with the operation of the press.

The advance Ystroke of the platen is adjustably limited by a control mechanism, generally designated 22. in detail and as generally illustrated in Figure 1, comprises a rotatable shaft 23 carrying a keyed support 24 preferably in the form of a disc having a plurality of control rods '25 slidably mounted in complementary openings or perforations through the disc Yfor vertical adjustment with .respect thereto. The rods are secured in adjusted position, as by 4set `screws l26. The disc is rotatably indexed by rotation of the shaft 23, as hereinafter discussed, each rotatable position of the disc being adapted to align one of the rods 25 with the limit switch I 9 -to terminate the advance stroke of the platen and preferably to initiate the return stroke thereof, as hereinafter described in detail.

The lower end of the shaft 23 is provided with another keyed support 21 preferably in the form of a disc having a plurality of openings or per- -forations, numbered I to I2 (Figures 3 and 9),

within which a switch actuator pin 28 is selectively receivable .to actuate a normally open limit switch 29 which is associated with -automatic operablemeans, hereinafter described, for effecting return of the discs 24 and 21 to their initial position.

The disc 21 also carries a pivoted dog or pawl 30 engageable with a stop 32 to limit the return movement of the discs and shaft 23, said dos being engageable with a limit switch 34 in the return position of the disc 21 for a purpose here- This device, as hereinafter described adapted to receive the shaft 23. Y y

inafter described. The switches 20 and 34 and the stop 32 are mounted on a lower frame 36 supported by the press frame I5.

The upper end of the shaft 23 extends through a bracket 31 and is supported by a bearing plate 38 mounted on the bracket 31. The bracketsupports an indexing power device 40 and an unlocking power device 42 operatively associated with the shaft 23, as hereinafter described in detail. The bracket 31 also supports a return power cylinder device 44 operatively connected to a chain 46 which is connected to a chain spool 48 keyed to the shaft 23 to actuate the latter on its return movement.

Referring now to Figure 2 which is an exploded view of the upper portion of the control mechanism, it will be seen that the spool 48 is provided with a pin opening 50 for the reception of a complementary taper pin 52 adapted to key the spool to the shaft '23. The spool is also provided with a pin opening 54 adapted to receive apin 56Which secures one end of the chain 46 to the spool, the opposite end of the chain being connected to a clevis 58 adapted to be welded to the under side of the bracket 31. The chain 46 is mounted intermediate its ends on a spool 60 rotatably mountedby a pin `62 within a clevis 64 which is operated by the return power device 44. The pin 62 is secured in position by .cotter pins 66. V

The bracket 31, as best seen in Figure 2, comprises an opening 61 for the shaft 23 and comprises a vertical support plate 68 to which the unlocking power device 42 is adapted to be bolted by means of a complementary plate or bracket 10. The bracket 31 is provided with a slot 12 within which a clevis or link 14 is reciprocal, said link being operatively connected to the device 42 and being pivotally connected by a pin 16 to an unlocking plate 80. The pin 16 is provided with retaining means in the form of cotter pins 82.

The unlocking plate 80 is adapted for slidable Support on the bracket 31 and comprises a pair of elongated slots 84 and 86. The slot 84 is adapted to receive a pair of guide and limit pins 88 on the bracket 31, and the slot 86 is adapted to receive a guide and limit pin 90 on the bracket 31. Thus the unlocking plate may be reciprocated by the power device 42 and for this purpose is provided with an elongated slot 02 adapted to receive the hub |32 of ratchet wheel |30 and to aord clearance therefrom as the plate 80 is reciprocated to locked and unlocked positions, as hereinafter described, by the device 42. Reciprocation of the plate is limited by the pins 88 and 90.

The indexing power device 40 is adapted for pivotal connection to a support link 94 by a pivot pin 96 secured by Cotter pins 08, and the link 94 is adapted to be secured to the bracket 31 by screws |00. The device 40 operates within a slot |02 in the bracket and is operatively connected to a link or clevis |04 pivotally connected by a pin |06 to a floating link |08 slidably supported on bracket 31, the pin being provided with cotter keys I I0. The link |08 is adapted for pivotal connection by a link pin I|2 to a ratchet pawl II4, which is slidably seated on the link |08. The pin I 2 is adapted for reception within a complemennected by the pin 2 for relatively pivotal movement. The rocker arm |I8 comprises a hub II9 having a bushing |2| press tted therein a complementary recess |38 within the wheel, the

round side of the, key |35 being adapted for reception within acomplementary recess or slot v (not shown) in the shaft 23.

The ratchet wheel |30 supports the hub IIS of rocker arm I I8 land is releasably interlocked against rotation by a locking pawl |40 having a nose or lug |42 receivable between teeth |44 of the ratchet wheel |30 and having a guide flange |45 adapted to slidably engage the upper surface of the ratchet wheel. The locking pawl |40 is pivotally interconnected by a pin |48 to a backing pawl' |50, said pin extending through a bearing or shim |52 and having a threaded connection to a complementary opening |54 in the bracket 31. Thus the pawls A| 40 and |50 are capable of relative pivotal movement on the pin |48. The pawl |50 is provided with a cam lug or nose |56 engageable between the teeth |44 of the ratchet wheel |30 and adapted to accommodate counterclockwise or indexing rotation of the wheel and to positively prevent clockwise or return rotation of the Wheel luntil the backing pawl |50 is released by the unlocking plate 80, as is hereinafter described. The aforementioned nose or lug |42 of locking pawl |40 described as being receivable between the teeth |44 of the ratchet wheel |30 is adaptable to positively prevent clockwise or indexing rotation of the wheel |30 until released by means hereinafter described.

The pawl |40 comprises a post |58 connected by a tension spring v|60 to a collar |62 adapted to be sleeved on the shaft' 23 in a telescopic relationship with the bushing I2 I, and the pawl |50 comprises a similar post |64 connected by a tension spring |66 to the collar |62 whereby the springs |60 and |66 are operative to yieldingly urge the pawls |40 and |50 into interlocking engagement with the ratchet wheel |30 thereby releasably preventing rotation thereof in either direction. The collar |62 is adapted to slidably seat on the hub IIS of the ratchet wheel |30.

It may be noted that the pawl |50 comprises a lug or actuator nose |08 engageable with a normally open limit switch |10 adapted to be supported by a shim or seat |12 on the bracket 31 and serving a purpose hereinafter described in connection with the operation of the press.

The ratchet wheel |30 and shaft 23 are indexed by rotation in a counterclockwise direction upon actuation of the power cylinder device 46 to advance position. Actuation of device 40, as best seen in Figure 6,V rotates the floating link |08 on pin I I2 relative to the ratchetl pawl I I4 inasmuch as pin I2, being held by ratchet pawl I I4 engaged in ratchet wheel |30 rotatively held by the locking pawl |40, cannot move. ASuch rotation of floating link |08 engages an actuator post or pin |14 of the link |08 with an arm or lug |16 of the locking pawl I 40 to release said pawl from engagement with the teeth of the 'ratchet wheel |30 against the resistance of spring |60 whereupon a shoulder |18 of the link engages a head |80 of the pin 22 thereby rotating the ratchet pawl I I4 and ratchet wheel |30 until the lug l|42 ofthe locking pawl anspse |40 (said paw'l having been released from pin |14 of link |108 by virtue of the 'links translatory motion rotatively about the center of shaft 23) engages the next ratchet tooth |44, stoppingthe rotative motion. The ratchet wheel is now so positioned as to allow the nose |56 of the backing pawl |40 to engage `behind a tooth and hold the wheel as the ratchet pawl I I 4 and link |08 are retracted.

On the retraction or pullback stroke of the device 40, the link |08 rotates about the pin H2. and an actuator post or pin |82 of the link engages the rocker arm H8 rotating the arm and the pawl ||4 in a clockwise direction relative to the ratchet wheel which is held lby the backi ing pawl |50 as a cam surface |64 (Figures 6 and 6A) of the ratchet pawl nose |28 slides over the engaged tooth |44 of the wheel. At this time the post |14- of the link engages a cam surface |86 of the locking pawl |40 to accommodate movement of the link |66 to retracted position, preparatory to another indexing operation by the power cylinder device 40.

It may be noted that the pivot pin |I2 connecting the link |08, the pawl I |4, and the rocker arm ||8 is provided with a switch actuator stem |80 adapted to actuate a normally closed switch |90 (see also Figure 8) at the end of the ad- Vance stroke of the device and to actuate a normally open switch |92 at the end of the re- U traction stroke of the device 40 for a purpose hereinafter described. The switches |90 and |92, as best seen in Figure 2, are mounted on the under side of the upper bearing plate 38 which `shown in Figure 6A, to accommodate clockwise movement of the wheel and shaft 23 to return position, as hereinafter described. For this purpose the unlocking plate 80 is provided with a cam or lug 202 normally affording slidable sup port for the nose |28 of ratchet pawl I4, as seen in Figure 6, said cam 202 being engageable with the head |86 of the pin |22 to release the pawl |44, as shown in Figure 6A. The plate |89 is also provided with an actuatorl post or pin 224 engageable with the inner sides of the pewls |40 and |50. Thus as the plate 80 is advanced, the lug 202 thrusting against the pin |22 is operable to release the pawl ||4 and the post 294 sliding against the inner sides of the pawls |40 and |50 is operable to release said pawls, whereupon actuation of the return cylinder 44, as hereinafter described, is operable to rotate the spool 48 and shaft 23 in a clockwise direction to return posit-ion.

Figure 3 is an exploded View of the lower portion of the control mechanism and it will be seen in this ligure that the support frame 36 is disc 2l is adapted tobe keyed by a taper pin 2| 2. Figure 3 also shows the detailed const-rue tion of the dog 30 and the manner in which the ylatter is pivoted on a pin 2|4 having threaded engagement with the hub 2|0 of the pin disc; and it will be noted that the dog 30 comprises a nose 0r lug 2|6 at one Side of its pivotal axis adapted to engage the under side of the disc 21 for a purpose hereinafter described. Figure 3 also shows the limit switch 34 and the stop 32 which is in the form of a head on a pin 2|8 adapt-ed for reception within a complementary opening 220` in the frame 36. A retainer nut 22| is provided for the threaded lower end of pin 2|8. The switch 34 is adapted for securement to the frame by screws (not shown) extending through complementary openings 222 of the frame 36. The stop head 32 of the pin 2|8 is provided with an opening 224 for the reception of a plunger 226 adapted to actuate the switch 34 upon engagement of the dog 30 with the stop 32, as clearly seen in Figures 3, 4 and 5, and as hereinafter described in connection with the operation of the dog 30.-

Figure 3 also shows the switch 29 which is provided with a pad or seat 228 and is adapted for securement by screws (not shown) extending through complementary openings 230 in the pad and 232 in the frame 36. It may be noted that Figure 3 shows the openings in the disc 2l, numbered from I to I2, with the pin 23 in opening number I; however, it will be understood that this pin may be inserted into any one of the twelve numbered openings to contact and actuate the switch 29 after a predetermined number of indexing operations of the shaft 23, by the index power device 40 and associated actuating mechanism.

Figure 4 is a sectional view t-hrough the frame 36 showing the pin disc 2'! and dog 30 in the maximum indexed position, with the pin 28 in the number I2 opening of the disc 2T, after the disc and shaft 23 have been indexed twelve times; and it will be seen that under these conditions the dog 30 has ybeen rotated by engagement with the stop 32 to accommodate indexing of the shaft 23 to the twelfth rotational position thereof.

Figure 5 is a View similar to Figure 4 showing the pin disc 2l' and shaft 23 in return position preparatory to initiation of a press cycle. Under these conditions the dog 30 is engaged with the stop 32, thereby actuating the plunger 226 and return limit switch 34, the nose 2| 6 of the dog being engaged with the underside of the plate of the disc 2 to stop the return movementof the latter.

Referring now to Figure '7, the hydraulic actuating circuit associated with the platen I8 is diagrammatically illustrated and comprises an hydraulic motor, generally designated 234, in-

cluding a cylinder 236 yand a ram 238 having a head 240 dening advance and return chambers 242 and 244 within the cylinder 236. The advance chamber 242 is connected to an advance line 246v containing a pressure indicator gauge 240, and the return chamber 244 is connected to a return line 256, said lines being connected to a conventional operating valve 252 having connections to a supply line 254 and to a discharge or exhaust line 256 which may be connected, for example, to an associated low pressure tank or reservoir (not shown) of hydraulic fluid, such as oil. If desired, a conventional holding valve (not shown) may be provided in line 250 to accommodate unrestricted flow of uid to the chamber 244 and toprevent flow of nuid therefrom until a predetermined pressure value is developed therein, to hold the ram in its illustrated position.

The supply line 254 is connected to an associated source of pressure fluid, illustrated in Figure 7 as a pair of pumps 258 operated by a motor 260 and having their discharge sides connected to the supply line 254, the suction side of the pumps being connected by suction lines 262 to an associated supply of hydraulic fluid (not shown), such as, for example, the above-mentioned reservoir. The line 254 comprises a safety relief valve 264 adapted to discharge through a relief line 266 upon development of a predetermined maximum pressure value within the line 254.

The valve 252 is actuated to advance position by a solenoid 268 whereupon the valve delivers pressure uid from the supply line 254 to the advance line 246 and exhausts uid from the return line 250 to the discharge line 256, thereby actuating the ram 238 and platen I8 on the advance or down stroke thereof as illustrated in the drawings. The valve 252 is actuated to return or pullback position by a solenoid 210, whereupon pressure fluid is delivered by the valve from the supply line 254 to the return line 250 and uid is exhausted from the advance line 246 to the exhaust or discharge line 256, thereby actuating the platen I8 on the return or pullback stroke thereof, as hereinafter described in connection with the operation of the press.

Referring now to Figure 8 which is a piping diagram of the pneumatic actuating system associated with the above-described index and return mechanisms, this system comprises a pneumatic supply line 212 which may be a conventional shop air line connected to an associated source of pneumatic pressure, such as a compressor (not shown). The line 212 is provided with a pressure regulator valve 214 and is connected downstream of said valve to a pair of operating valves 216 and 218 operated respectively by solenoids 280 and 282. The valve 216 is connected by a delivery line 284 to the indexing power device 40 and is adapted in advance position to actuate the device 40, thereby advancing the rocker arm II8. In release position of the valve 216, the line 284 is exhausted through an exhaust line 285, whereupon the rocker arm IIS is returned or retracted by pneumatic pressure delivered to the device 40 from a delivery line 285 having a pressure regulator valve 288. The line 286 is connected upstream of the valve 288 to the supply line A212. The regulator valves 214 and 288 are preferably regulated so that the pressure delivered to the valves 216 and 218 is substantially greater than the pressure delivered to the line 286, so that the device 40 may be advanced against the constant pressure in the line 286.

The valve 218 is connected to a delivery line 290 having a connection to the unlocking power device 42 for advancing the same in the advance position of the valve 218 upon energization of solenoid 282, whereat pressure is delivered from the line 212 to the line 290 thereby advancing the device 42 against the constant pressure in the line 286. The line 290 is also connected by a branch line 292 having a regulator valve 294 to the return power device 44 for actuating the same on its return stroke, as hereinafter described in connection with the operation of the press. The device 44 is provided with an exhaust line 295 to facilitate actuation by the .pressure fluid in line 292. De-energization of 8 solenoid 282 opens line 290 to a discharge line 291, thereby accommodating the retraction stroke of device 42 by pressure in line 286.

Referring now to Figures 'I to 11 inclusive, an operating cycle of the novel press is hereinafter described in connection with the description of the wiring diagram of Figure 11. Assuming that the pin 28 is inserted in hole number 5 of the disc 21 and that the disc is in the return position diagrammatically shown in Figure 9, with hole numbered I2 aligned with the switch 29, the iirst advance stroke of the platen is terminated by engagement of its switch I9 with the control rod 25 which is aligned with hole number nine of the disc 21.

The advance stroke of the platen is initiated by closing a normally open double switch 302 which may be operated manually or by a foot pedal. As the switch 302 closes, it establishes a circuit which may be traced from a main lead 304 having a connection to one terminal of a conventional voltage supply 306 and through contacts 368 and 3I0 of the switch 302, through a solenoid 3I2 which is connected to another main lead 3l 3 having a connection to the opposite terminal of the voltage supply 306,

Energization of solenoid 3I2 closes three relay switches responsive thereto, said switches being indicated at 3I2a, 3I2b, and 3I2c, the latter establishing a holding circuit through the solenoid SI2.

Closing of switch 302 also connects contacts 3 I4 and 3I6, thereby closing a circuit through the above-mentioned normally open switch I10 closed under these conditions by the backing pawl |50 in its locked position. This circuit may be traced through lead 304, a normally closed switch 332a and through a solenoid 322 and lead 3|3. Energization of solenoid 322 closes relay switch 322a establishing a holding circuit through the solenoid 322 and opens a normally closed switch 322D for a purpose hereinafter described.

Energization of solenoid 322 also closes relay switches 3220 and 322d energizing the beforementioned advance solenoid 268 of the hydraulic operating valve 252 actuating the same to advance position whereat the platen I8 is advanced downwardly toward the work (not shown).

The ram moves on its advance stroke until the above-mentioned switch I9 is closed by contact with the indexed control rod 25, whereupon a circuit is established through normally closed contacts 328 of the switch 20 and through switch I9 and a solenoid 332. Energization of solenoid 332 opens the before-mentioned switch 332a breaking the circuit through solenoid 322 thereby restoring its associated switches to normal position. Thus, as switches 32 2c and 3226i open, the advance solenoid 268 of the hydraulic operating valve 252 is de-energized.

Energization of solenoid 332 by closing of the switch I9 also closes a relay switch 32212 establishing a holding circuit through the solenoid 332 and closes a relay switch 332e which (upon closing of switch 32219 as solenoid 322 is de-energized by opening of. switch 332e) establishes a circuit through a solenoid 334. Energization of the solenoid 334 closes its normally open relay switches 334a and 3341) energizing the return solenoid 210 actuating the hydraulic operating valve 252 to the return position thereof, whereat the platen I8 is actuated on the return or pullback stroke thereof away from the work. If desired, a switch 339 may be provided and when open will hold the ram in advance position, until the switch 339 is actuated by the operator-to close the circuit' through solenoid 210.

As the ram reaches the top of its return or pullback stroke, the switch 2|) is actuated by the cam 2|, disconnecting the contacts 32B thereby breaking the holding circuit through the solenoid 334, whereupon the normally open switches 334e and 334|) are released to open position, de-energizing the solenoid 213 whereupon the hydraulic operating valve 252 returns to neutral position and the platen I8 stops at the end of its return stroke.

It may be noted at this point that the initial closing of switches 3I2a and 3 I2b andthe moving of switch 26 away from cam 2| on the downward movement of platen I3 establishes another circuit through the normally closed contacts 328 of the switch 201 which is spring-pressed to the normal position shown in Figure 11 by a spring 33 I, and this circuit its traced through a jog-run switch 333 and a lead 335 through a solenoid 331 and the main lead 3 I 3. Energization of the solenoid 331 closes switches 331a and 331D, the latter establishing a holding circuit through the solenoid 331. Energization of solenoid 331 alsov opens a normally closed switch 331e for a purpose hereinafter described. Thus at the start of the iirst operation, closing of switches 3I2a and 3I2b by energization of solenoid 331 closes switch 331a and opens switch 331e and upon actuation of switch 2B at the end of the return stroke of the platen, the disconnection of contacts 328 is not eiTective to de-energize the solenoid 331 inasmuch as the switch 331|) is connected through the abovementioned limit switch |30 to the main lead 304, which is connected to the voltage supply 306 because the switch 3I2a is closed.

Actuation of switch 2B by the cam 2| connects contacts 333 closing a circuit through a normally closed switch 3420i, through the switch 33141, and through a solenoid 340. Energization of the solenoid 345 closes normally open relay switches 340e and 343i), thereby energizing the beforementioned solenoid 283 to actuate the indexing power device 4|] on the advance stroke thereof thereby indexing the shaft 23 counterclockwise to align the next successive rod with the switch I9, said rod being aligned with hole numbered I in disc 21.

When the index power device 40 reaches advance position, the switch actuator |83 of rocker arm pin I I2 opens the normally closed switch |30 breaking the holdingl circuit through the solenoid 331 returning its associated switches to normal position and thereby breaking the circuit through the solenoid 23|) to accommodate actuation of the power device 40 and associated indexing mechanism to return position preparatory to another advance operation of the platen which is limited by the aforo-mentioned control rod.

After the fth operation, upon return of the platen to return position and ater the holding circuit through the solenoid 331 has beenbroken due to opening of the switch |90 by the actuator |88, the pin 23 has closed the switch 29, and the actuator |88 has closed the normally open limit switch |32 thereby 'establishing a circuit through a solenoid 342 inasmuch as the normally closed relay switch 331e is now in closed position and the switch 34 is normally closed. Energization of the solenoid 342v closes a normally open relay switch 342a establishing a. holding circuit through the solenoid 342 and closes normally open relay switches 34212 and 342e, establishing a circuit through the before-mentioiied solenoid 282 thereby actuating the unlocking power device 42 to advance position and consequently operating the unlocking plate to release the ratchet wheel |33 from engagement with its associated pawls, whereupon the pressure in line 292 of the return power device 44 operates to actuate the same on the return stroke thereof, rotating the spool 43 and shaft 23 clockwise to return position until the dog 3l) engages the plunger 223, as seen in Figure 5, thereby opening the switch 34 and breaking the circuit through solenoid 342. De-energization of solenoid 342 returns its switches to normal position and the press is now in position vfor a new cycle of operations.`

It may be noted that a jog-run switch 343 is provided in the connection between the relay switch 3I2c and the main lead 304, and it will be understood that upon opening of the jogrun switch 344 and the before-mentioned jogrun switch 333, the platen may be advanced in small increments for the purpose of pre-adjusting dies, without initiating the automatic sequence of operations. IThis operation of the platen is accomplished by momentarily closing the switch 332 which simultaneously establishes circuits through the solenoids 3|2 and 322 thereby energizing the advance solenoid 268 of the hydraulic operating valve 252 without establishing the automatic control circuits through the jog-run switches 344 and 333.

With the jog-run switches open, the ram may be retracted or returned in small increments by momentarily closing a switch 346 which simultaneously establishes circuits through solenoids 3|2 and 332 thereby energizing the return solenoid 210 of the hydraulic operating Valve 252.

In similar manner with the jog-run switches open and the ram in return position with the switch 23 connecting the contacts 333, the index power device 43 may be operated without actuation of the press parts by momentarily closing an index switch 348 which simultaneously closes a circuit through the solenoid 331 and the solenoid 3|2, the latter circuit being traced through i a branch lead 350 of the main lead 304, through contacts 352 of. the switch 348, and through the solenoid 3|2 and main lead 3|3.

With the jog-run switches open and the ram in return position, so that cam 2| is actuating switch 2,3 to close contacts 338, the shaft 23 may be reset to. the original position shown in Figures 5 and 9 by means of a, reset switch 354 which when closed establishes a circuit through branch lead 353 of main lead 334, through contacts 356 of the switch 354 and through solenoid 3|2 and main lead 3I3 thereby closing relay switches 3I2a and 3|2b to accommodate another circuit which may be traced from main lead 334 through contacts 338 of switch 23, through normally closed limit switch 34, through contacts 358 of switch 354 and thence through switch I92 normally closed switch 331e and solenoid 342 to main lead 3I3. Energization of solenoid 342, as above described, closes relay switches 342|) and 342C energizing solenoid 2,82 to advance the unlocking power device 42 and unlocking plate 80, thereby accommodating return movement of power device 44 as the unlocking plate releases the ratchet wheel |30 from itsV associated pawls.

An emergency switch 360 is provided in the main lead 3I3 for stopping the press at any pointl in its operating cycle under emergency conditions.

It may be noted that the switch which is normally open also provides a safety feature in the event that the shaft 23 is in a position Whereat one of the control rods is not properly aligned with switch I9. Under these conditions the backing pawl |50 will be held in such a position by one of the ratchet teeth U44 that the nose E68 of the pawl will not engage the switch |16 thereby preventing closing of the latter and consequently preventing energization of advance solenoid 322 upon actuation of the starting switch 392 by the operator.

Thus it will be seen that We have devised a novel control mechanism for automatically varying the stroke of a press platen or similar working member on successive operations of the latter.

The novel control is adapted to aioid a predetermined maximum number of variable operations and to afford any predetermined number of variable operations within said maximum, and by virtue of the rotational operation of the mechanical control parts, we have provided a control mechanism of the above-described type Which is extremely compact and capable of simple adjustment to regulate the varying stroke of the platen and to regulate the number of strokes in each operating sequence.

We claim:

1. A control mechanism for an hydraulic system with an hydraulic motor having cylinder means and ram means presenting spaced advance and return areas in said cylinder means, and valve means for alternately delivering pressure uid to and exhausting pressure fluid from respective areas; comprising the combination of operating means for shifting said valve means to advance position whereat pressure fluid is delivered to said advance area, a, control mecha-- nism including a rotatable shaft extending generally parallel to the path oi said ram means, a plurality of control rods carried by said shaft and adjustable longitudinally thereof, control means carried by said ram means for actuating said valve means to reverse position whereat pressure fluid is delivered to said return area, each of said rods being indexed with said control means in one rotational position of the shaft t0 limit the advance stroke of said ram means by actuating said control means upon engagement of said rod therewith, a plurality of control stations carried by said shaft and corresponding to said rods, limit means selectively receivable at respective stations, a ratchet keyed on said shaft, a backing pawl adapted to accommodate rotational movement of the ratchet in one direction and to positively prevent rotational movement in the other direction, a locking pawl engageable with the ratchet to positively prevent rotational movement thereof in said one direction, an indexing pawl engaged with the ratchet and adapted on respective strokes of said indexing pawl to index successive rods with said control means, a second control means responsive to position of said ram means and operatively connected to the locking pawl and the indexing pawl for releasing the former and effecting one stroke of the latter after each return stroke of said ram means, and means for returning the rods to initial position comprising means operable by said limit means and operatively connected to said pawls and shaft for releasing allof said pawls-and for rotating said shaft in said one direction, and means carried by the shaft for stopping rotation thereof in said one direction after said shaft and rods have reached their initial position.

2. A control system for an hydraulic motor including cylinder means and ram means presenting spaced advance and return areas in said cylinder means, said system comprising valve means for alternately delivering pressure fluid to and exhausting pressure fluid from respective areas, means for shifting said valve means to advance position whereat pressure fluid is delivered to said advance area, a plurality of contacts, control means carried by said ram means and operatively connected to said valve means for shifting the latter upon engagement oi'a contact by said control means whereby the valve means is actuated to return position thereof whereat pressure uid is delivered to the return area and is exhaustedfrom the advance area, and means responsive to position of said ram means for successively indexing respective contacts with respect to said control means upon successive movements of the ram means to return position.

3. A system, according to claim 2, wherein means are provided for automatically returning said contacts to initial position after a predetermined adjustable number of said contacts have been indexed.

4. A control system for an hydraulic motor having cylinder means and ram means presenting spaced advance and return areas in said cylinder means, said system comprising valve means adapted in advance position thereof to deliver hydraulic pressure fiuid to the advance area while exhausting the return area and adapted in return position to deliver hydraulic pressure fluid to the return area while exhausting the advance area, means for shifting said valve means to advance position, a plurality of contacts, control means carried by said ram means and operatively connected to said valve means for shifting the latter to return position by engagement of said control means with said contacts, and means for shifting said contacts for successively aligning respective contacts with said control means.

5. A system, according to claim 4, wherein means are provided for returning said contacts to initial position after a predetermined number of said contacts have been engaged by said control means.

6. A control mechanism for an hydraulic system with an hydraulic motor having cylinder means and ram means presenting spaced advance and return areas therein, and valve means for alternately delivering pressure uid to and exhausting pressure fluid from respective areas, comprising operating means for shifting said valve means to advance position whereat pressure uid is delivered to said advance area, a control mechanism comprising a rotatable shaft,

a plurality of control rods carried by said shaft control means carried by said ram means for actuating said valve means to reverse position Whereat pressure iluid is delivered to said return area, each of said rods being indexed with said control means in one rotational position of the shaft for engagement with Said control means to actuate the same.

7. A control mechanism, according to claim 6, wherein the rods are adjustable in a direction generally parallel to the path of the ram means to adjustably predetermine the advance stroke thereof.

8. A control mechanism, according to claim 6, wherein means are associated with the shaft for automatically returning the shaft and rods to 13 their initial position after a predetermined number of ram strokes.

9. A control mechanism, according to claim 6, wherein means are provided for automatically rotating the shaft to a different rotational position thereof at the end of each return stroke of said ram means.

l0. A control mechanism, according to claim 9, wherein means are provided for rotating the shaft and rods to their initial position after a predetermined number of ram strokes.

11. A control mechanism for an hydraulic device having a working member and an hydraulic motor operatively associated therewith for advancing and retracting said working member, comprising the combination of a rotatable shaft, a plurality of control members rotatable therewith, control means movable with the working member and engageable with said control members and operatively connected to said motor for initiating a return stroke of the working member, and means operatively connected to said shaft for successively indexing said control members with said control means.

12. A control mechanism, according to claim 11, wherein means responsive to position of the working member are provided for actuating said indexing means to effect a predetermined rotational movement of the shaft at the termination of each return stroke of the working member.

13. A mechanism, according to claim l2, wherein means are provided responsive to the position of the shaft for initiating return thereof to its initial position after said shaft has been rotated by the indexing means through a predetermined rotational distance.

14. A control mechanism for an hydraulic press device comprising a working member and an hydraulic motor operatively associated therewith for advancing and retracting said member; comprising the combination of control means carried by the Working member and operatively connected to the motor for initiating the retraction stroke of said member, a plurality of limit elements engageable with said control means for actuating the same, and means for successively indexing said elements with said control means.

l5. A mechanism, according to claim 14, wherein means are provided for automatically actuating the indexing means at the termination of each retraction stroke of the working member.

16. A mechanism, according to claim 14, wherein means are provided for automatically returning said elements to initial position thereof after an adjustable predetermined number of said elements have been indexed with respect to the control means.

17. A control system for an hydraulic motor having cylinder means and ram means presenting spaced advance and return areas in said cylinder means, said system comprising means for alternately delivering hydraulic pressure fluid to and exhausting hydraulic pressure fluid from respective areas, a plurality of contacts, means movable with the ram means and operable upon engagement with a contact to actuate said delivery means to deliver pressure fluid to the return area and to exhaust pressure fluid from the advance area.

18. A system, according to claim 17, wherein means responsive to position of said ram means are provided for automatically shifting said contacts when said ram means reaches a predetermined position, and means are provided for automatically returning said contacts to initial position iter the contacts have been shifted a predetermined number of times.

19. A system, according to claim 17, wherein means are provided for automatically shifting said contacts upon movement of the ram means to return position.

20. A control mechanism for an hydraulic press device having a Working member and an hydraulic motor operatively associated therewith for advancing and retracting said member; comprising the combination of control means carried by the working member and operatively connected to the motor for initiating the return stroke of the Working member, and means in the path of said working member on the advance stroke thereof for engaging said control means and actuating the same.

EARL CANNON. JOHN N. HEATER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this lpatent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 971,679 Kirby Oct. 4, 1910 1,244,664 Warren Oct. 30, 1917 1,911,138 Clute May 23, 1933 2,324,727 Shartle July 20, 1943 2,350,217 Collins May 30, 1944 2,419,563 Kaser Apr. 29, 1947 2,483,712 Schafer Oct. 4, 1949 

